“I feel a bit overwhelmed,” admitted Melissa. “There are so many things that could go wrong on this project, and I am just not sure if I can manage it all.”

“You are right,” I replied. “You cannot manage every detail. Success consists of the execution of a hundred things, most of which cannot be managed.”

“Then how?”

“Most things we accomplish as managers consist of processes and systems with elements that can be measured and managed. But that is only part of the story. Success also requires elements like focused attention, cooperation with team members and commitment to the result. Those are elements which are difficult to measure, but more importantly, almost impossible to manage. You cannot manage focus, cooperation and commitment.

“This is the people side of management, and people don’t want to be managed. This is where leadership comes in.”

Melissa was silent. She was thinking. “So success as a manager requires both management and leadership.”

I nodded. “And often, the people side is more critical than the process side. I will take a mediocre process coupled with a fired up attitude over a spectacular process with a poor attitude. And that is why leadership is so important.” -TF

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